May2011

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E P I C K - U P!

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Volume 4, Number 5 • May 2011

Alberta Publications Mail Agreement 40032612

MapúaWorld 2011

Let’s Celebrate the 113th Anniversary of the Philippine Independence June 12, 2011

Page 11 ►

Experience Jordan A highlight of the Middle East

Cheque Presentation to Community Groups

The kleptocrats never left

Page 5 ►

Page 21►

The Pharaoh's Treasury, Petra

At the Edmonton MillWoods Constituency office: MLA Bhardwaj (second left) supports a cheque presentation to Maple Leafs Writers Association

Philippine President Noynoy Aquino

Fil-Am actors Daphne Joy and Michael Rosales join cast of latest 'Pirates of the Caribbean’ opus

Charice sings “Lupang Hinirang” before Pacquiao-Mosley fight

Page 15 ►

Page 18►

see page 3 for more details

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Edmonton Picture Perfect in National Photo Contest

A

n Edmontonian is the grand-prize winner in a national contest for a photo showing the breakup of the ice on the North Saskatchewan River and the skyline of Edmonton as a backdrop.

Jordan Camponi won top spot in the Canada's Capitals photo contest held by Canadian Geographic and the National Capital Commission.

“The picture pretty much sums up what Edmontonians look forward to all year,” said Camponi. “The long-awaited thaw of the North Saskatchewan River means that summer is on its way and we will soon get to enjoy the festivals that are the best part of living in Edmonton.”

Camponi shot the awardwinning picture for Canada's Capitals contest while taking photos at his cousin’s wedding in April 2010. After finishing pictures of the bridal party at Louise McKinney Park, Camponi stopped on the Cloverdale pedestrian bridge to snap a few shots of the river.

A photo of the Alberta Legislature taken by Edmontonian Julia Coombs was selected as one of the runners up in the contest.

"Congratulations to Jordan Camponi for his grand prize winning photo in Canadian Geographic Magazine. It's a

powerful depiction of Edmonton, one that I think skillfully captures the anticipation and excitement that builds as we move into spring,"said Mayor Stephen Mandel. "Also congratulations to Julia Coombs, whose remarkable photo of Alberta's Legislature is a runner up. It is thrilling to see the talent and the passion for this city that exists here."

Camponi grew up in the Edmonton area. He has been doing photography as a serious hobby for about five years.

The winning photos will be featured in an exhibit at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier in Ottawa. Canadian Geographic received 2,051 entries in the contest, including 148 entries from Edmonton.

May 2011

Notice of Registration and Election to all Filipino Citizens

N

otice is hereby given that under Republic Act No. 9189, otherwise known as “The Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003”, all citizens of the Philippines abroad, not otherwise disqualified by law, at least eighteen (18) years of age on the day of the election, and who are registered overseas absentee voters with approved application to vote in absentia, may vote for Senators and Party-List Representatives. For this purpose, all qualified Filipino citizens not registered as voters under Republic Act No. 8189, otherwise known as “The Voters Registration Act of 1996”, the system of continuing registration)

shall file an application for registration while those who are already registered under the said Act shall file an application for certification.

For purposes of the May 13, 2013 elections, the filing of applications for registration/ certification and transfer of registration records shall be filed at the Post or other designated registration areas from October 31, 2011 to October 31, 2012.

The 30-day voting period will commence on April 13, 2013 until 3:00 o’clock in the afternoon (Philippine time) of May 13, 2013 at any Philippine Embassies or Consulates. (The time of voting to

be announced later).

For details please contact Ms. Abigail Monte-Mah at telephone number 604-685-7645 ext. 107 or e-mail address vancouverpcg@ telus.net, website www.vancouverpcg.net.

DFA-Overseas Absentee Voting Secretariat (Manila) www.dfa.gov.ph/ www.dfa-oavs.gov.ph Hotlines: +6328344361, +6328343275 COMELEC-COAV (Manila): www.comelec.gov.ph Hotlines: +6325222251, +6325212952 +6325239924

Bagong Bayani Awards 2011

T

he Bagong Bayani Foundation, Inc. (BBFI), in coordination with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the private sector, announces that the search for the 2011 Bagong Bayani Awardees is now open.

The Bagong Bayani Awards (BBA) pay tribute to the country’s outstanding Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) as the new heroes of our time. It gives due recognition to their significant efforts in fostering goodwill among peoples of the world, enhancing the image of the Filipino as a competent and responsible worker

and contributing to the nation’s Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) foreign exchange earnings.

The general pre-qualifying criteria for the nomination of any Filipino working overseas, landbased or sea-based are as follows:

For 2011, the following are the awards categories: 1. Bagong Bayani Award for Outstanding Employee 2. Bagong Bayani Award for Community and Social Service 3. Bagong Bayni Award for Culture and Arts 4. Capt. Gregorio S. Oca Award 5. Blas F. Ople Award para sa Natatanging Bagong Bayani

• Must be or has been an OFW for at least two (2) years; • Has no past or present criminal or derogatory record; • Must be of good moral standing or has received recognition from past or present employer for exemplary behavior or outstanding service; Deadline for submission of and nominations is on or before May • The employment contract must 31, 2011. have been processed by the

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The kleptocrats never left Aquino doesn’t have any more excuses. He needs to jumpstart his anti-corruption crusade and fulfill his election promise, “Walang corrupt, walang mahirap” (No corruption, no poverty). And the sooner he appoints an honest and incorruptible Ombudsman, the better off he would be.

PEREZCOPE

by Perry

Diaz

PerryDiaz@gmail.com

T

he recently released 2010 Global Integrity Report rated the Philippines “very weak” (57) in terms of governance and corruption. The overall rating was also “very weak,” a downgrade from the 2008 overall rating of “moderate” (71).

The report also rates the country “weak” (64) in the category of “Anti-Corruption Legal Framework, Judicial Impartiality and Law Enforcement Professionalism” and “Rule of Law.” Included under this category are the following sub-categories: “Anti-Corruption Law,” rated “strong” (89); “Judicial Independence, Fairness, and Citizen Access to Justice,” rated “weak” (62); “Anti-Corruption Agency or Equivalent Mechanisms,” rated “very weak” (53); and “Law Enforcement: Conflicts of Interest Safeguards and Professionalism,” rated “very weak” (52).

Global Integrity — a Washington, D.C.-based international non-profit organization that tracks governance and corruption trends around the world – rates the categories and sub-categories on a scale of 0 to 100. The 70 countries tracked by Global Integrity are divided into two groups – “even” and “odd” years — of 35 countries each; therefore, each report represents a biennial cycle.

The “even year” group includes the Philippines.

Since the 2010 Global Integrity Report represents the years 2009 and 2010, it would cover the last 18 months of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s presidency, which ended on June 30, 2010, and the first six months of Benigno Aquino III’s presidency.

Indeed, the report is an “indictment” of Arroyo’s nineyear presidency than a reflection of Aquino’s fledgling administration.

However, this will not absolve Aquino of culpability because, ultimately, the buck stops with him.

Double whammy So, what is the report telling us? It is evident that the country has “strong” anti-corruption laws – and there is no doubt about it — but the government is “very weak” in enforcing them and “weak” in prosecuting the corrupt.

But Aquino claimed that his administration was stymied by the Office of the Ombudsman’s inability – or refusal – to prosecute corrupt officials, putting the blame squarely on former Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez, who resigned last May 6, 2011 to avoid a Senate impeachment trial. Now that Gutierrez is gone,

Arroyo years In my article, “Reign of the Kleptocrats” (Global Balita, January 19, 2007), I wrote: “What we used to know as ‘good governance’ is now transformed into ‘kleptocracy.’ The public service-oriented government functionaries of yesteryears are gone. Although there are still those in government who are honest and incorruptible, what we have today is a breed of greedy opportunists who use their positions in government to enrich themselves. They are the ‘kleptocrats.’ ” Indeed, things didn’t change much since Arroyo came to power in a sham people power revolution – EDSA 2 – in 2001. Arroyo’s ascension effectively stopped the momentum and progress made after the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos was ousted in the people power revolution of 1986. Sadly, the first documented case of corruption occurred within four days of her administration.

And what is very sad is that the government’s attempt to resolve or recover the sequestered assets and properties — including billions secretly stashed in foreign banks — failed only because the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) didn’t do a good job.

Allegations of corruption, bribery, collusion, thievery, and ineptitude hounded PCGG to this day.

Corruption galore!

Just a few days ago, it was reported in the news that the new head of PCGG, Juan Andres Bautista, questioned his predecessor Camilo Sabio’s sale of a sequestered 3.6-hectare property owned by IBC13 for a cheap price.

Another questionable transaction made during Sabio’s time was the anomalous sale of a sequestered company and its P4.2billion property – with a fair market value of more than P6 billion – for only P900 million.

Bautista also questioned the sale of a 12.3-hectare prime lot in Pasig City for a measly P89 million in which he alleged that another PCGG commissioner, Peter Sabido, pocketed P20 million in “commission.”

Bautista also questioned Sabido’s misuse of government funds, saying he hired six private lawyers, 41 consultants and 85 office-based staff.

It’s interesting to note that a Manila Bulletin article written by Edmer F. Panesa dated March 21, 2010, said: “The Supreme Court (SC) recently lifted the sequestration by the government of a 7,000-hectare cattle farm on Busuanga Island in Palawan believed to be owned by the late strongman Ferdinand E. Marcos.

Considered one of the largest cattle stations in Asia, the Busuanga cattle farm was originally known as the

Yulo King Ranch (YKR) controlled by suspected Marcos cronies Peter Sabido and Luis Yulo.” The question is: Was the suspected Marcos crony Peter Sabido the same person as PCGG Commissioner Peter Sabido?

If so, that would be like appointing Mafia Don Vito Corleone to be Attorney General.

Another high-profile corruption case is that of former Rep. Prospero Pichay who was appointed by Arroyo as chairman of the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) after he lost his senatorial bid in 2007.

Last month, the government filed a criminal complaint against Pichay and all the LWUA board members for LWUA’s questionable acquisition of a thrift bank in 2008, in which the government lost P480 million in the deal.

But the “circle of kleptocrats” was not the exclusive domain of those identified with Arroyo. Many of Arroyo’s former appointees managed to pass through Aquino’s vetting process and got appointed to plum positions. One of them is Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz. Former Solicitor General Francisco Chavez included her among those who were charged with Arroyo in regard to the alleged misuse of P551-million worth of funds from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). According to Chavez, Arroyo violated the Plunder Law for allegedly misusing OWWA funds for questionable acquisitions and for her reelection campaign in 2004.

Baldoz was then the chairman of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and was one of the signatories of the OWWA board resolution allowing the transfer of funds.

Tip of the iceberg It did not come as a surprise then that the Philippines is rated “very weak” in governance and corruption.

With almost 1,000 midnight appointments made by

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Arroyo and many more in fixedterm plum positions, the incoming Ombudsman will have work cut out for him or her. Many kleptocrats are still in government, alive and kicking… and continue to steal money from whatever they could put their kleptic hands on. Indeed, the kleptocrats never left.

If Aquino is truly sincere in fighting corruption and eradicating poverty, he has now a grand opportunity to rid the government

of kleptocrats. It will be a daunting challenge for him; however, it is doable. The last thing he wants to happen is to fail without trying. But he should know that doing nothing is worse than failure in itself. For even in failure there is much to learn… and achieve, as well.

With Gutierrez out, it’s time for Aquino to walk the talk lest he would come to be known as “NATO” – that is, “No Action, Talk Only.”

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May 2011

Recent Changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program

Immigration News

by Jon

Salvador, BSc.

Certified Canadian Immigration Consultant

Certified Canadian Immigration Consultant (About the writer: Jon Salvador is a licensed immigration consultant and a member in good standing with the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultant (CSIC). He has more than 20 years of management and business experience in Canada. Prior to establishing his immigration consulting company, he worked for a U.S. based computer company and then at TELUS, the 2nd largest telecom company in Canada in various management positions.

He is originally from Manila, Philippines and graduated from DLSU (De La Salle University) in Manila with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. He also studied Business Management at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. If you would like to request articles on other immigration topics for future “Alberta Filipino Journal” publications, you can contact Jon at (403) 241-6276 or at jon@nuerainc.ca or the publisher of this newspaper.

O

n April 1, 2011 the Canadian government implemented changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program regulations to protect foreign workers from poor treatment of employers, ensure employers are complying with the terms and conditions of their approved LMO applications and maintain the program’s focus on alleviating temporary labour shortages.

The recent TFW program regulatory changes include the following: a. more rigorous assessment of the genuineness of the job offer; b. two (2)-year period of ineligibility for hiring temporary foreign workers for employers who fail to meet their

commitments with respect to the approved LMO conditions (ie. wages, overtime pay, employee benefits, working conditions, type of work), etc. c. four (4) year cumulative limit on the length of time some temporary foreign workers may work in Canada before returning home. (Some of the exceptions are listed towards the end of this article.)

To protect Temporary Foreign Workers (TFW), all employer Labour Market Opinion (LMO) applications and the corresponding job offers will be assessed on the following criteria: ‪ The genuineness of the job offer, including a review of four factors for all TFWs and an additional three factors for Live-In Caregivers (LIC). ‪ The consistency of the job offer with the terms of any federal/ provincial/territorial agreement and whether the foreign worker, their spouse or common-law partner or dependents are eligible to participate in particular pilot projects. ‪ The history of the employer in hiring temporary foreign workers over the previous two (2) years to determine whether the employer has complied with wages, working conditions and occupation substantially the same as the conditions set out in their approved LMOs and corresponding job offers. ‪ The accumulated length of time that the foreign national being hired has worked in Canada.

It is anticipated that the new regulations will reduce the number of TFWs who are being victimized by unscrupulous recruiting agencies (who charged them a fee to secure an employer) and find out upon arrival in Canada - that the job offer or the supposed employer does not exist.

In Alberta, TFWs who have been victimized by unscrupulous recruiting agencies or employers should report their complaints to Service Alberta Consumer Contact Centre at (780) 427-4088 or toll free 1-877-427-4088.

With the new regulations in place, employers who do not comply with the terms and conditions outlined in their approved LMO applications can be charged under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for employing a

“foreign national in a capacity in which the foreign national is not authorized… to be employed.” TFWs can report their complaints to Temporary Foreign Worker Advisory Office at (780) 6442584 or toll free at 1-877-944-9955.

Genuineness of the Job Offer Starting April 1, 2011, the Canadian government will now more rigorously assess the genuineness of employer job offers to TFWs by considering the following four (4) factors: a. The employer is actively engaged in the business (ie. how long has the business been operating, how many employees on staff, etc) b. The job offer is consistent with the needs of the employer (ie. how big is the company, what kind of staff would this type of company need? etc.) c. The employer is reasonably able to fulfill the terms of the job offer ( ie. does the company have enough revenue to pay the employee’s salary, does the company have enough customers to justify hiring additional staff, etc.) d. The employer has complied with federal/provincial/territorial laws regulating employment in the province/ territory where the worker will be employed.

For employers seeking to hire LiveIn-Caregivers (LICs), the Canadian government will assess the following three (3) factors: a. Will the caregiver be residing in a private household in Canada and providing child care, or senior home support care or care of a disabled person in that household; b. Will the employer provide adequate accommodation to the LIC in the household that is adequately furnished and private (room with a door and key); and c. Does employer have sufficient financial resources to pay the caregiver the wages offered (ie. proof of income such as CRA Notice of Assessment, T4s, Employment Certificate, etc.)

Consistency of Job Offer with the Terms of Federal/Provincial/ Territorial Agreement

Some provincial and territorial governments have entered into bilateral agreements with Canada Immigration and Citizenship (CIC) with respect to temporary foreign workers, and some of those agreements include pilot projects aimed at improving the program’s effectiveness in those jurisdictions.

Canadian employers should consult the terms of these agreements to check, if there are provisions that may apply to foreign workers that they intend to hire.

Provide Working Conditions ‘substantially the same’ as listed in the Job Offer In the new regulations, the Canadian government Officer will have the authority to undertake an assessment of whether an employer has, in the last two (2) years, provided the wages, overtime pay, employee benefits, working conditions, etc. as listed in the approved LMO and in the past job offer.

If non-compliant information is found by the Officer about a specific employer and the information appears to support a negative assessment, the employer will have the opportunity to provide reasonable justification.

during the time period covered by their previous Work Permits. Examples of legitimate breaks from work would include: ‪ Extended unpaid leave (letter from employer) ‪ Pregnancy or parental leave ( letter from doctor or hospital documents) ‪ Periods of unemployment (Record of Employment (ROE) slip, EI application, etc.)

If the officer is satisfied with proof or supporting documents provided, the cumulative duration calculation will be adjusted accordingly.

Exempt TFWs from the four (4) year limit The following TFW workers will be exempt from the new 4 year cumulative duration regulation: a. TFWs in managerial (NOC Category: 0) or professional occupations (NOC categoty: A) b. TFWs who have applied for permanent residence and have received: ‪ a Certificat de Sélection du Québec (CSQ) if applying as a Quebec Skilled Worker; ‪ a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) certificate, if applying as a provincial nominee; Examples of reasonable justification ‪ an approval in principle letter, if would include: applying under the Live-in Caregiver ‪ A change in a federal, provincial or Class; territorial law. ‪ a positive selection decision, if ‪ A change in the collective bargaining applying under the Federal Skilled agreement at the worksite.

Worker Class; ‪ Dramatic changes in economic ‪ a positive selection decision, conditions that affect the workplace. if applying under the Canadian An employer may be granted the Experience Class. opportunity to rectify the problem by c. TFWs who are employed in Canada providing the appropriate compensation under an international agreement, such to the employee and complying with as NAFTA, the Seasonal Agricultural the terms of the approved LMO. Worker Program, or another agreement.

Employers who have failed to meet d. TFWs who are exempt from the LMO commitments as promised in LMO process, including: past job offers, and who have failed ‪ Spouses and common-law partners to provide reasonable justification or of international graduates participating to rectify the situation by providing in the Post-Graduation Work Permit appropriate compensation to the Program and skilled TFWs; affected employees might be penalized ‪ Charitable or religious workers; as follows: ‪ Entrepreneurs, intra-company a. Refusal of work permit applications transferees, researchers and academics; for any foreign national offered ‪ Others for purposes of self-support employment by the employer; (refugee claimants) or humanitarian b. Become ineligible to hire TFWs for reasons (destitute students, holders of a period of two (2) years Temporary Resident Permits (TRP) c. Their company name listed on CIC’s valid for at least six months) website – Companies Ineligible to With the new regulation, after Hire TFWs a TFW work has reached their four TFWs are advised to protect (4) year cumulative duration limit, themselves by consulting CIC’s they will not be granted another Work website prior to entering into or Permit in Canada for the subsequent extending an employment contract four years. The TFW has leave and to determine if the employer they are exit Canada. After four (4) years has planning to work for has been deemed elapsed, the worker will again be ineligible to hire TFWs. permitted to come back and work in Canada.

NOTE: TFWs cannot enter Given the above changes in into an employment contract, or an regulations, TFWs interested to extension of an existing employment become Permanent Residents (PR) of contract, with an employer who has Canada should find ways on how they been deemed ineligible to use the TFW could become eligible to apply for PR program. If the TFW does any of the status within the allotted 4 year period. above, it will have negative effect on Depending on the education, work the TFW’s temporary resident status in experience, language proficiency, age, Canada. etc., there are several ways a TFW could become eligible to apply for PR. Four (4) Year Limit for TFWs TFWs should consult with a licensed working in Canada immigration consultant regarding As of April 1, 2011 many the best possible options or what temporary foreign workers will be steps they could take to improve their subject to a four-year ‘cumulative eligibility to apply for PR status within duration’ limit on the length of time the 4 year limit. they may stay and work in Canada.

This new regulation is not retroactive.

Therefore, all TFWs regardless of how Legal Disclaimer: long they have already been in Canada This news article is designed have up to April 1, 2015 to reach the for general information only. The four-year cumulative duration limit. information presented in this article TFWs should keep detailed should not be construed to be formal records to clearly document the time legal advice or the formation of a they have spent actually working in consultant/client relationship. Each Canada. The worker must be able to individual situation is different and provide to the CIC or CBSA officer people should seek proper advice on documents that prove if there were their specific cases with a licensed any legitimate breaks from work immigration consultant of their choice.

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May 2011

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Filipino Journal

Alberta

7

Pacquiao-Mosley Fight A Hit in Sin City

by Jun Angeles

T

hrongs of Pacquiao admirers converge in Las Vegas to witness another spectacular fight last Saturday May 9th, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. For some it was uninspiring and a lackluster fight between Manny Pacquiao and Sugar Shane Mosley.

It was not a lopsided bout should Mosley rose to the occasion. Mosley looked like a scared mouse trying to find a place to hide.

Pacquiao fever triggered an atmosphere of jubilation's for the whole of Pacquiao fans. And what a way to spend a weekend in Las Vegas witnessing the Filipino pride in boxing bringing more praises and credits to the country.

Another history in the making for Manny Pacquiao considered as the world's ferocious pound for pound boxer winning the WBO Welterweight title belt.

Pacquiao with his flare of style, resembling a Michael Bieber hair style or that of Bruce Lee fought with a yellow boxing gloves symbolizing "unity and hope to fight against poverty."Pacquiao not only is a boxer but a lawmaker elected to Congress of the Philippines. He is also a singer pairing a duet with Dan Hill belting songs like "Sometimes When We Touch".

A philanthropist and a bona fide hero of the masses coming from an impoverished country.

Pacquiao with his humanitarian mission and generosity will most likely put him in a pedestal as a hero in the history of the Philippines and a world legend in boxing for generations to come. A person like Pacquiao is a rare breed and in this modern age hard to come by.

L-R Horace Cruz Bella Cruz, Hermie Angeles, Annie Buenaventura, Francis Buenaventura, Wilf Ladores and Ryan Ladores.

L-R Fans Francis Buenaventura, Jun Angeles, Wilf Ladores and Ryan Ladores at MGM Arena.

Brian (Edmonton’s Pacquiao) Abenoyar surrounded with Wilf, Francis and Annie.

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Diehard Fans L-R Look Alike Brian Abenojar with some admirers.

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May 2011

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The Filipino Journal is published twice a month in Winnipeg. We are committed to help you attain your marketing, sales, and company objectives. Your company advertisement in our newspaper will surely appeal to 50,000 Filipino’s and Canadian readers. Advertisers can expect to get their message to its readers and consumers in this area. People read the Filipino Journal because of its very informative news, entertainment sections and useful everyday information on living in Canada.

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Filipino Journal SOCIAL MEDIA SERVICES

Social media marketing brings your company to the fastest growing networking hubs on the Internet.

We can help you reach out to, collaborate with, and market effectively to targeted audiences in their on-line haunts.

Social Media Marketing services include: Social Media Strategy - finding your potential clients on-line and figuring out how to reach them.

Corporate Facebook Pages – building and managing effective Facebook presences; Twitter Services – using Twitter the right way.

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increase brand awareness; create buzz; promote and advertise products and services; generate sales; establish expertise; drive more web site traffic showcase and demonstrate product effectiveness.

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Ron Cantiveros (204) 489-8894 ron@FilipinoJournal.com

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May 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Death of Bin Laden sends NAIA on alert status

Supporter says ‘OMG’ quits due to strings of family problems

Philippine airport authorities have placed the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) under alert status following the death of notorious terrorist leader Osama bin Laden.

U.S. officials said bin Laden was killed early Monday by a joint operation of the United States military and Pakistani forces during a night-time helicopter in a milliondollar compound in a summer resort just over an hour's drive from Pakistan's capital. After 40 minutes of fighting, bin Laden and an adult son, one unidentified woman and two men were dead, the officials said.

The Manila International Airport Authority in an advisory said they are strictly implementing access control procedures on personnel and vehicles, and rigid inspection and challenge procedures at security checkpoints at the NAIA complex.

The head of a group called the Movement of Enlightened and Responsible Citizens Against Impeachment (MERCI) revealed that Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez resigned due to a chain of family crises that reduced her to a nervous wreck thus diminishing her efficiency and effectiveness as Ombudsman.

Lawyer Salvador Panelo, an avid supporter of the resigned Ombudsman, said the mother of Gutierrez is gravely ill while her husband’s health has been deteriorating for the past days.

Panelo said Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez has made the supreme personal sacrifice of resigning her constitutional office despite her resolute conviction of her innocence and unwavering belief that the articles of impeachment do not amount to a betrayal of public trust.

He added that the root cause of her problems was the continuing

The police have also intensified visibility and APD-K-9 paneling at the terminals and have maximized the deployment of patrol vehicles at Aircraft Movement Areas and perimeter.

Intelligence and monitoring operations were also stepped up as added precautionary measures to ensure the security and safety of airport users against any possible retaliation from the followers of the dead al Qaeda leader.

Ronald Cantiveros

Publisher/Chief Operating Officer VP-Business Development Managing Editor

Rod Escobar Cantiveros Sales & Advertising

Jose (Jun) Angeles, Jr.

Associate Publisher - Alberta 246 Lindsay St. Edmonton, AB T64 2T2 email: angeles.associates@gmail.com

Jose “Pepito” Magpayo Associate Editor/Marketing (403) 264-5605

Rosalinda Linsangan Natividad-Cantiveros

Founder, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief- Filipino Journal 1987-2008

assault on her character and reputation that was magnified by the media.

With the resignation of Gutierrez, Panelo further said that the senators can now focus their attention and energy on more important and pressing national concerns instead of the impeachment trial, while President Aquino will no longer have a convenient excuse to go after the corrupt and grafters, .

Overall Deputy Ombudsman Orlando Casimiro will temporarily take charge of the office starting May 6.

Call for Artists: New Beltline Park at 12 Avenue and 9 Street S.W. The City of Calgary is seeking a professional artist or artist team with established experience to develop a public artwork for a new Beltline park at 12th Avenue and 9th Street S.W. The selected artist will be responsible for creating an impactful permanent artwork that is a distinctive expression of the diverse community.

The new park space encompasses about one-third of a city block (0.42 ha) and is a clear expanse of grass bordered by residences to the south and west and businesses to the north. New offices for the Calgary Board of Education (CBE) anchor the site's northeast corner. Completion of the park is slated for summer of 2013.

The desire for a compelling public artwork for the new space was identified through community consultations. The artwork should be of a permanent nature, though temporary components could be incorporated. It should be a large scale experience that engages all users of the park, enhances the user experience, promotes a sense of discovery and/or defines a space within.

This project will include having the artist engage in extensive community interaction through the design and implementation of a Community Cultural Development initiative.

The Public Art Program has a vision to build a diverse collection of great art and encourages local, regional, national and international artists working in all media suitable for outdoor exposure to apply.

Artists should have demonstrated experience with projects of this scope and scale as well as proven CCD experience. The all-inclusive artist(s) budget is $370,000 CDN. To apply, download Request for Proposal #11-1647 from the Alberta Purchasing Connection (www.purchasingconnection.ca).

Deadline for submission is Tuesday, June 14, 2011 at 4pm MST. For more information please contact: Dianne Quan, The City of Calgary, Dianne.Quan@calgary.ca, 403-268-5654, Cell: 403-669-1203

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A Division of Bowes Publishers Ltd. Leduc, AB Printer

Official Photographer Noli Granado

Contributing Writers: Reis Pagtakhan Melanie Angeles Tony Surtida Perry Diaz Jon Salvador

Johnny Cantiveros Carl Benito Gem M. Anis Danilo Donor Lito Cleofe

We welcome submissions-news, articles, pictures and letters. Letters must include signature and phone number; names can be withheld upon request. We reserve the right to edit for length and content. All submissions, unless arrangements are made, become the property of the publisher. Reproduction of contents, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without the expressed written permission from the Publisher/ Editor. Opinions by columnist, writers, and readers do not in any way reflect those of the Publisher/Editor.

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May 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Filipino Journal

Member Statement presented at the Legislative Assembly:

MapúaWorld 2011

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M

Good News in Health Staffing e hear that Albertans receive exceptional care in our health care system across the province every day Mr. Speaker, and that's because we have talented and dedicated health professionals who are committed to delivering the best possible care right here in Alberta.

And, you know what, Mr. Speaker; health professionals across Canada have recognized that Alberta is a great place to practice medicine.

The proof is in the numbers.

This province has had the highest percentage increase of physicians out of all other provinces at 22.5% from 2004 to 2008.

The government has also

committed to funding 367 seats in the University of Alberta and University of Calgary Faculties of Medicine – a 62% increase from 2005.

Residency positions have also increased nearly 50% in about the same time period.

But it’s not just physicians we are investing in. It is many of the front-line health workers, such as nurses.

Alberta Health Services has committed to hiring at least 70% of our annual nursing graduates – about 1,000 more registered nurse graduates will have jobs when they are finished their programs and one of those is graduates is my daughter Mr. Speaker.

The 3-year collective agreement that Alberta Health Services signed with the United Nurses of Alberta last year will ensure that our nurses remain among the best-paid in the country, so that we can keep them close to home.

Mr. Speaker, we hear time and time again about the great care Albertans experience in our health facilities and it’s because these men and women love what they do, feel pride in their work and this translates to exceptional patient care 365 days per year.

(Visit http://benito.mypcmla. ca/admin/contentx/youtube. cfm?ytid=a0hxl8R5aes to watch member statement)

apúaWorld is a biennial gathering of Mapúa alumni around the world. It was conceived by the International Association of Mapúa Alumni, Ontario (IAMAO) to welcome the new millennium. Its primary goal is to build closer and beneficial relationships among Mapúa alumni groups around the world.

It was first held on August 4-6, 2000 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada;

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on February 8-10, 2002 in Long Beach, California; on July 30 August 1, 2004 in Vancouver, Canada; on January 17-20, 2007 in Manila, Philippines; and on March 12-15, 2009 in Houston, Texas. The MapúaWorld 2011 will be held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada on June 30 to July 3, 2011 hosted by the Mapúa Alumni Association Alberta Chapter (MAAAC).

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May 2011

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by

Carl Benito, MLA Edmonton Mill Woods

As the MLA for Edmonton MillWoods, I am always available to assist constituents. If you have any questions regarding any of the issues discussed in this release, I can be reached in my constituency office at #218; 4128A-97 Street, or in my Legislature office at 780422-9299. Also, please subscribe to my e-newsletter at http:// benito.mypcmla.ca/. Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/carl. benito, twitter: http://twitter.com/ MLACarlBenito and You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/benitomla

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The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Corporation and the Alberta Somali Community Centre, to support at-risk Somali Canadian and immigrant youth in four junior high schools; The Night Safety Centre: $645,000 will go to the Edmonton Police Service to increase safety for vulnerable sexually exploited individuals, through violence prevention and connection to community resources; Transition Housing for High-Risk Offenders: $435,500 will go to the Edmonton Police Service to provide transitional housing and wrap-around support services to repeat violent or sexual offenders in order to maintain supervision and help them reintegrate into the community; and Edmonton Drug Treatment Court (Matrix): $300,000 will go to the Edmonton John Howard Society for a program to implement the Matrix model for outpatient drug treatment program to address crime and social disorder associated with substance abuse and addictions.

May 2011

Celebrating Vaisakhi, April 2011

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aisakhi celebration commemorates the creation of the Khalsa by Siri Guru Gobind Singhji. During this most revered holiday in Sikhism, practicing Sikhs reflect on the values that Vaisakhi represents.

At the 2nd Annual celebration of Vaisakhi hosted by Hon. Ken Kowalski, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, Sikhs in Edmonton came out en masse to celebrate their faith with family and friends. To kick off the event, students of the Khalsa School led the audience through the rendition of O’ Canada - the Canadian national anthem - and Deh Shiva, the Sikh Anthem.

Various groups including the Folk Dance Academy South and North Edmonton performed much to the admiration of the audience. It was a wonderful time with Edmonton’s Sikh community.

Visit my website to see more photos from this event http://benito.mypcmla. ca/admin/contentx/default.cfm?PageId =9950&incPhotoFolder=238

With beautifully dressed children at the celebration of Vaisakhi on April 13, 2011at the Alberta Legislature

Alberta Premier’s Prayer Breakfast May 2011

New programs help prevent crime in Edmonton

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he Alberta government is providing $2.8 million in funding for four new community-based crime prevention initiatives in Edmonton.

The four Edmonton projects receiving funding over three years through the Safe Communities Innovation Fund are: Bamboo Shield: $1.4 million will go to the Edmonton City Centre Church

A moment with the Premier of Alberta, Ed Stelmach along with members of the Nigeria Association of Alberta Adenike Adesola (centre) and Okezi Okpei (left);

With this year’s guest speaker and author of the book “Forgiveness in the Face of Terror” John Bergen and Adenike Adesola of the Nigeria Association of Alberta

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May 2011

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Lea Salonga ready to be an RH bill spokesperson

Fil-Am actors join cast of latest 'Pirates of the Caribbean’ opus

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ulti-awarded international theater actress Lea Salonga has made herself available should the government offer her the role of an official Reproductive Health (RH) bill ambassador.

She said she would be doing the job for free for sake of the country.

Salonga has been consistent and very vocal in expressing her support for the controversial RH bill. She said the government has

the responsibility to also inform its citizens on all birth control methods as options so that the couples could make their own free decision.

The actress also added that every Filipino of age should be educated on the RH bill.

She pointed out however that she is aware of the arguments from the pro-life and pro-RH bill supporters as she maintains that birth control should not be taught to minors.

ilipino-American actors Daphne Joy and Michael Rosales are among the cast of the latest Johnny Depp starrer’ “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.”

Daphne Joy, who plays the role of a mermaid in the movie, was born and raised in Olongapo City, Philippines. She was introduced to American way of life when her family relocated to Los Angeles when she was 8 years old. She quickly became

Jericho Rosales hits big time in his 1st int’l film

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oung actor Jericho Rosales walked a Hollywood red carpet for the first time and was visibly overwhelmed by the warm reception accorded to his first international film.

Rosales is the lead star in the romantic thriller “Subject: I love You,” which premiered at the Newport Beach Film Festival in Southern California. Directed

by Francis dela Torre, the movie is based on a Filipino-made computer virus that crashed the worldwide web in 2002.

The sold-out crowd also surprised his co-star Hollywood actress Briana Evigan of “StepUp 2: The Streets,” fame.

When asked to comment on his impression of Evigan, Rosales said he’s so honored for the chance to work with a great girl like her.

For her part, the Hollywood actress said Rosales is a gentleman, and also charming and handsome. When asked if a real life romance could be in the air, Evigan laughed and just said

that the fans have to figure that themselves.

“Subject: I love You” is the first Filipino film to be shown in the festival where more than 400 American and international films are screened. . It is also the first among all of the films in which tickets were sold out days before the premiere so another screening is being planned for those who could not get in.

The organizers of the Newport Beach Film Festival were evidently surprised by the number of Filipino-American filmgoers that they plan to bring in more Filipino films next year according to chief executive officer Gregg Schwenk.

The other Filipino co-stars of the movie namely, Gary Valenciano and Dante Basco also attended the premiere and the after-party. Also present were some Filipino and Hollywood stars, including former Filipino teen star Antoinette Taus and “Sucker Punch” star and Evigan’s friend, Jamie Chung.

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interested in entertainment, first dabbling in dance groups, choir, cheerleading and talent shows. She shifted her interests to acting at the age of 18 and was soon featured in several recording artists’ music videos, commercials, national print campaigns, magazine covers and features.

Michael Ilano Rosales was chosen to play a “pirate from the Philippines” from a pool of over 4,000 aspirants.

The Hawaii-based Rosales

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is a multicultural actor/rap artist/ performer. His first full-length album, “Respect My Pride,” was released in 2008. The album features English and Filipino language music that inspires an appreciation of the Filipino culture and heritage.

Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by Rob Marshall, “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,’ opens in Philippine movie houses on May 2011.

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Bulacan officials declare Aiko Melendez ‘persona non grata’ Charice sings “Lupang Hinirang” before Pacquiao-Mosley fight tweet by Aiko Melendez before the Malolos Regional Trial

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on the microblogging site Twitter allegedly implying that Mayor Patrick Meneses is gay and that Pandi Mayor Enrico Roque is his lover prompted 21 local officials to sign a resolution declaring the former politician and actress “persona non grata” in Bulacan.

Meneses who went steady with the actress for 3-and-a-half years, has also charged Melendez for libel

Court last week.

In a separate complaint, Roque seeks P5 million in damages for the libel charge against Melendez that includes 3 movie scribes.

Melendez said the libel suit was unexpected as she strongly denied the accusations.

She also vowed to fight until the truth comes out.

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n 2009, international singing sensation Charice publicly expressed her interest in singing the country’s national anthem in a Manny Pacquiao fight.

Being personally chosen by the boxing superstar is already a huge honor. But an even bigger bonus is Charice’s opportunity to sing for a star-studded audience and millions of people across the globe who are tuning in for the fight.

Charice sang the country’s national anthem before the Filipino champion’s fight against Shane Mosley on Sunday (Manila time) at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The 18-year-old young singer who is also known as Sunshine Corazon in the hit US TV show “Glee,” wore a white gown during her performance.

She was applauded and cheered after her singing by the huge crowd of mostly boxing enthusiasts from around the world who came to watch the much publicized fight.

Pacquiao’s fights have always drawn sell out crowds including international celebrities.

The huge exposure to millions of people around the world has prompted the National Historical Institute (NHI) to repeatedly remind the chosen singers concerning the proper way to sing “Lupang Hinirang.”.

Charice has a good track record in singing the Philippine anthem. Unlike previous singers who did a botched job on their version of the anthem, Charice was praised by NHI for her rendition that was faithful to the original arrangement of the anthem.

The US national anthem, "Star-Spangled Banner" was sang by American R&B singer and actor Tyrese sang, while Hollywood star Jamie Foxx sang "America the Beautiful."

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May 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Balitang Kutsero

by Perry

Diaz

PerryDiaz@gmail.com

llustration by Dave San Pedro

Obie and Osie

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n the wee hours of May 1, 2011, President Barack Obama received a call through the secured red line. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said, “Mr. President, here’s call from a person who calls himself, ‘Osie.’ We traced the call from Abbottabad in Pakistan. He won’t give his full name but he said that it’s very important that

he talks to you. He used the code word, ‘Tora Bora.’ Would you take the call?” “Tora Bora? Hmm…” Obama said, “Holy cow! Yup, I’ll take that call! Gimme the phone!”

Obama: Hello, This is President Obama. Who is this?

Caller: Hello, Obie. This is Osie.

Remember me?

Obama: No, I don’t know you! And don’t call me Obie! Who is this?

Caller: Now, now, don’t lose your cool, mojo man. Would you rather that I call you Barry?

Obama: Listen, I’m busy right now with my National Security Team.

We’re in the middle of a covert operation. What is it that you want?

Caller: I’ve been thinking, Obie.

I’ve been on the run since Georgie Booshie almost killed me in 2001 at Tora Bora. It’s been a long 10 years and I’m not getting any younger.

Obama: Get straight to the point, Osie or whoever you are. What do you want?

Caller: Okay, okay. I want to surrender, Obie.

Obama: Surrender? That’s easy.

Just go to the nearest CIA post in Pakistan and turn yourself in.

Caller: That could be a problem. I need protection for my wives and children.

Obama: How many wives and children do you have?

Caller: I have five wives and 20 children.

Obama: Let me say this. If you are who I think you are, your wives and children are not our enemies…

unless they have committed terrorist acts, too.

Caller: Oh, no, no, no! They’re not terrorists! They’re peace-loving people.

Obama: What kind of protection are you asking for them?

Caller: Bring them to the US of A so they can live the American Dream.

Obama: You’re nuts! After what you’ve done on 9/11 do you expect us to give your family the red carpet treatment here?

Caller: Well, if that’s not possible, give them safe passage to their native countries then.

Obama: Where?

Caller: Two to Saudi Arabia, one to Yemen, one to Indonesia, and one to the Philippines.

Obama: The Philippines? How did that happen?

Caller: You see, when Georgie Booshie ran me out of Tora Bora, I went to Indonesia where I met my fourth wife and after one year I went to the Philippines where I met my fifth wife.

Obama: And I suppose you met her in Mindanao, right?

Caller: You’re smart, Obie man.

You’re catching up fast…

Obama: But it got too risky moving around in Mindanao cuz of the warring Muslim factions.

You don’t know who your friends were.

So after two years, you moved to Waziristan in Northeast Pakistan where you can blend in.

Caller: You amazed me, Obie man.

Where did you get your…

Filipino Journal

Obama: But Waziristan became too dangerous too so you moved to Abbottabad near Islamabad.

Caller: Wow! I’m impressed! Well, maybe I should move again. You’re getting too close, Obie. I don’t like it!

Obama: Yup, closer than you think, Osie man.

Caller: What do you mean closer than I think?

Obama: Right now I can see your eyeballs through the window of the third floor of your mansion.

Caller: Whoa! Whoa! What are you talking about?

Obama: If you are who I think you are and I think you are who we are looking for, look out the window and you’ll see two big birds hovering over your backyard. And you’ll also see 24 SEALs being dropped off.

Caller: Seals! Ha ha ha… Okay, I got it, Hussein. You’re pulling my legs again! I ordered goats for my kilawen and kaldereta dinner tomorrow, not seals, you idiot!

Obama: Look again, Osie man.

They’re not what you think they are.

Caller: Holy goat! Those aren’t birds! Those are helicopters! And those aren’t seals! Those are… oh, no!!!

Obama: Yup, those are American SEAL Team Six commandoes I sent there to take you out, Osie man! They’ve landed and are now heading to your mansion.

Caller: How the hell do you know?

You’re far away!

Obama: Cuz I’m watching the

Alberta

operation from my big plasma screen here at the White House, Osie man. Oops! Two of your guys just went down. And now my boys are going upstairs… to your bedroom!

Caller: Damn! Now, I’m in big trouble!

Obama: Yes, you are, Osie man.

Bye bye.

Caller: Tangnamu!!! (silence) Obama: Hello, hello! Are you there, Osie? Hello!

Caller: Mr. President.

This is the SEAL Team Six commander.

Mission accomplished. Geronimo!

Geronimo! E KIA! Obama turned to his National Security Team and announced, “Geronimo is dead! His last word was ‘tangnamu’. Does anybody know what that means?” State Secretary Hillary Clinton said, “My husband Bill had a classmate at Georgetown University who became president of the Philippines.

She used to say, ‘tangnamu’ every time she disagreed with anybody.”

“And what does ‘tangnamu’ mean?” asked Obama. “Well… it’s the equivalent of the… ahh… umm… F-word, Mr. President,” replied Hillary.

The red phone rang. “I’ll get it,” said Obama. “Hello, who’s this? ” “Tangnamu!” the caller replied and hung up. Obama stared at the receiver and said, “Kilawen!

Kaldereta!! Tangnamu!!! Hmm… Holy cow! I think we killed the wrong man, guys.”

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May 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Horoscope May is a great time to buy that big ticket item, rearrange your finances or change banks, if you want to. You may be in a rebellious mood and ready to overthrow the status quo. You will also be keener to take risks. The unknown will be fun and profitable.

There are opportunities to consolidate and transform friendships. Economically this is a good period for business finance, and things get more and more promising as the month develops.

There are wonderful opportunities for travel and cultural experiences – especially around the 11th and you will also enjoy being together with a whole bunch of exciting and inspiring people.

This has been a time for general spring cleaning, new domestic initiatives, family visits, and on a personal level restructuring your emotional roots.

You will have an even better opportunity to start out on the right foot. At this time you can begin new projects, sign deals and make changes in any area you choose. The sooner the better!

Early in May there is still a strong and positive focus on further education and/or travel, and on the financial solutions that will make these things possible. Long and drawn out negotiations finally bring agreement and this paves the way for new stability and prosperity.

The following days will bring wonderful opportunities in partnerships. If you are single, you will meet someone. If you have a partner, then there is a strong merging of interests.

This is an extremely inspiring time for you intellectually and in the field of communication. There have been many exciting developments over the last few weeks, and you have learned a tremendous amount, and very fast too.

You have been busy weaving social relationships together and generally facilitating new initiatives with a view to create a vibrant and exciting social community around you.

Everything falls into place this month after some pretty intense experiences which may have stressed you out a bit on an emotional level. Intimate partnerships have been in focus and both you and your loved one have been battling things out to establish equal rights and harmony.

Life may seem like one big party at the moment, and there is no shortage of fun people to be with to celebrate the art of living. There are wonderful opportunities for travel and for having a huge creative impact on your surroundings.

May is going to be a very special month in this respect, and if you relax and go with the flow, not looking for rational answers but just enjoying being alive, you will experience riches beyond compare.

PAHALANG 1 Kapisanan: daglat 4 Kriminal 11 Pera: Pabalbal 13 \dahon ng saging 14 Taba 16 Braso 17 Malaking langgam 19 Panalo: Ingles 20 Tunog ng makinilya 21 Malaking ibon 24 Simbolo ng silver 25 Sikmura

PABABA 26 Notang Musikal 27 Tapon 28 Halimbawa: daglat 29 ____ Puyat Avenue 30 Marangal 32 Estero 34 Darang 35 Ideposito 37 Tagapagalaga ng bata 38 Maluwang 39 _____ voyage

1 Liham 2 Asikaso 3 Durog 5 Ahensya ng pagbabalita 6 Silid tuklasan 7 Pasayahin 8 Dahilan 9 Gamit sa pagkagat 10 Unlapi 12 Konsehal: daglat 15 Bantal 18 Umaabot sa lapag

22 Katapusan 23 Sunugin 25 Laan 26 Malaki ang distansya 27 Wakas 28 Pagsakit ng tiyan 29 Libot 31 Pang-isahan ng kina 32 Atienza ng Showtime 33 Yugto ng karera 36 Katawagang makakaliwa

Sudoku Puzzles are games of patience, numbers and genius! The satisfaction of solving a challenging Sudoku Puzzle is one of the greatest accomplishments any sudoku game player can experience.

Here is the puzzle. Good luck!

Solutions for Palaisipan & Sudoku will be posted online www.FilipinoJournal.com

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May 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

by Gem & Lita Anis

Experience Jordan

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A highlight of the Middle East

n beautiful autumn days of October we visited the holy places and local must-sees of the Hashemite Kingdom of JORDAN. The tour was a perfect combination of faith and fun.

Jordan with a population of 5.9 million (98% are Arabs) occupying an area of 91,970 sq. kms. (4/5s of the country is desert) is a constitutional monarchy governed by a king (now Abdullah II) as head of the state and government and regarded as the most powerful political and military figure in the country.

Amman, named as one of the area's best cities according to economic, labour, environmental, and socio-cultural factors, is the capital and largest city of Jordan.

The official language is Arabic although English is widely spoken.

Currency is the dinard.

Amman is conveniently located for many Jordanian tourists and most of the country's places of interest are only about an hour away by bus or car cruising through its modern highways.

North of Amman is Jerash nestled in a quiet valley among the Gilead mountains. Jerash is considered as the best preserved Greco-Roman city in the Middle East. Seeing Jerash will transport you 2000 years back with its colonnaded streets, theatres, public squares, baths, and city walls.

We experienced Bethany-Acrossthe-Jordan and walked through the Baptismal Archaeological Park, the wilderness home of St. John the Baptist, where Jesus was immersed in the baptismal springs of River Jordan.

Our baptismal vows were renewed at the sacred river by our tour/ director guide Msgr. Jan Majernick of Yugoslavia.

Then we visited Mount Nebo, where Moses, the Hebrew liberator who received the "Ten Commandments" stood and saw before him the Promised Land. A stone marker on this Christian holy place stands.

Located southwest of Amman is Madaba, the "City of Mosaics". We entered the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George which houses a precious 6th century map of the Holy Land depicting its hills and valleys, villages and towns.

Deep in the Jordanian Valley, southeast of Amman, is the Dead Sea, the lowest body of water and the lowest point on earth and the world's richest source of natural salts. Due to an extremely high content of salts and minerals which give its waters the curative and therapeutic properties and its bouyancy, the Dead Sea is devoid of life. That's why it is called DEAD - no fish or any acquatic organism can survive in it. We swam and floated on its waters and indulged ourselves in a mineral mud treatment of our bodies.

Gem at Mount Nebo

Don't miss a Jeep tour of the Wadi Rum, home to stunning desert beauty and the place where the movie "Lawrence of Arabia" was filmed.

Known as "Valley of the Moon", Wadi Rum (wadi in Arabic means valley and rum means high or elevated), is a valley cut into the sandstone and granite rock offering a wonderful desert scenery of unique geological rock formations.

One of "the 40 places you have to see before you die" according to the BBC is the world-famous "rosered city half as old as time", PETRA, a Unesco World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Petra which means "rock" in Arabic, located in the biblical land of Moab, was unkown to the western world until 1812 when a Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered it.

We approached Petra by foot through the "Siq", the narrow gorge made famous in the movie "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade". After trekking the narrow cleft in the rock for about a mile passing through the rock-cut tombs the Siq suddenly opens upon the most impressive of all Petra's monuments, the famed Treasury, curved out of solid rock on the side of the mountains and standing over 40 meters (130 ft.) high.

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Gem at Petra, the rose-red city

Greco-Roman Jerash, Jordan

Map of Holy Land, Madaba

Filipino Journal

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The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Bluessette Bexiga Receives the ''Ruth Leo & Mimi Celebrates (50th) Golden Wedding Isabelle Barth Nursing Award''

by Mike Angeles

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luessette Bexiga was elated and surprised to receive the prestigious ''Ruth Isabelle Barth Nursing Award''.

This award is given to Bluessette for her dedication in providing extra mile in patient care that goes beyond the duty as a nurse.

The award goes to somebody that utilizes the nursing process

providing safe, individualized quality nursing care to the patient and displays in a caring and compassionate manner. She was nominated from the management of Misericordia Hospital and won the award. Bluesette is married to Luis Bexiga and is a mother to three children Antonio, Miguel and Isabella.

Leo and Mimi at the reception table.

The couple surrounded by the Aranas family and friends.

eo and Mimi Aranas of Edmonton and Calgary celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary with family, relatives and friends. They renewed their vows once again at this time at the Good Sheppard Catholic Church. Reception followed at the Radisson Hotel. Leo and Mimi are pioneers in Canada arriving in 1965, first settling in Saskatchewan and moved to Alberta later on.

Congratulations to the Aranas family.

Mimi surrounded by the ladies of Edmonton.

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Learn and Gain Insights in Volunteering

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Bluesette with her daughter Isabella

The Misercordia Staff Three West Medicine Unit

atie Angeles, Mike Angeles and Mike Soto volunteered their time last Tuesday May 10th 2011 and worn mascots to provide entertainment to sick kids at the University of Alberta Stollery Hospital for Sick Kids. They brought smiles, joys and laughter to sick children, their parents and everyone involve even for such a short period of time. The Angeles and Soto were inspired by the courage and strength shown by the sick children. This act of volunteering is an inspiration for them to appreciate and give them formability to withstand any adversities in life.

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May 2011

May 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Make My Day! Iba’t Ibang uri ng Manginginom The Manager Palaging nagyayaya at taya.

Playmaker Tanggero sa inuman, pinagmamasdan ang kilos nyo.

Hiker Palipat lipat ng upuan para makaliwas/dami ng tagay The Dential Nagpapanggap na kaya pa kahit lasing na sila.

Kid Senti Maraming naaalala pag nakainom na.

The Flash Uuwi ng walang paalam,

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naglalahong parang bula lalo na sa bayaran.

Kung Fu Kung fumulutan malupit, tirador ng pulutan, ginagawang picnic.

Sleeping Beauty Madaling makatulog, resulta – madalas pagtripan.

The choosen one Offiial runner sa tindahan, taga bili ng yosi, yelo, alak; taga linis ng kalat.

The Incredible Hulk Pag nalalasing parang si Incredibe Hulk, palaging naghahamon ng away.

Deadman Drinker Pinakaunag nalalasing Sex Finder Naghahanap ng mayayari kapag nalalasing.

Joker Hindi nauubusan ng kwento, laughtrip at masaya kasama.

Barber Mahilig magkwento kahit wala nangg kwenta ang sinasabi, as in non sense/talkshit.

Videoke King/Queen Wala ng pakialam basta may hawak na microphono The Originals Palaging kasama; sa lahat ng tagayan present.

New video archive expands public access to Council meetings

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s part of The City of Calgary’s ongoing effort to improve the accessibility and transparency of the legislative process all Council and Standing Policy Committee (SPC) meetings are now being recorded and are available online at agendaminutes. calgary.ca.

The video archive is part of The City’s Electronic Legislative Management Solution (ELMS) launched in October 2010, which hosts electronic copies of Council agendas and minutes.

Through ELMS, viewers can watch full proceedings or can navigate to a specific agenda item to watch the debate that occurred on a particular issue.

“The new video archive provides an additional avenue for the public to get involved in the legislative process and find the information they need on issues that are important to them,” says Gregory

Pastirik, Strategic Legislative Analyst with the City Clerk’s office.

Videos will be available for three years from the date of the meeting. Live webcasts of Council and SPC meetings are still available at calgary.ca, and meetings continue to be broadcast on Channel 89 on Shaw Digital TV. The City of Calgary’s legislative meetings are held in accordance with section 197(1) of the Municipal Government Act. Recordings of meetings are made under the authority of section 33(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Act and are managed in accordance with The City of Calgary’s Recordings of Legislative Meetings Policy.

For more information please contact: Ashley Wedderburn, Communications Consultant, Corporate Administration, ashley.wedderburn@calgary.ca,

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May 2011